Mr. Harris moved the adoption of the May 15, 2008 minutes. Ms. Lund seconded. The minutes were
approved as read.
Director’s Report – Director Craig
Director Craig recognized Illinois State Library (ISL) staff member, Sharon Ruda who was named the
Illinois Library Association’s Librarian of the Year. Ms. Ruda will receive the award at the
Association’s Annual Conference. In addition, she welcomed Barbara DuRocher as ISLAC’s newest
member.
Director Craig informed ISLAC that some Illinois public libraries may have another opportunity to
receive a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grant. State Library staff are working to verify public
library contact information and will submit a grant application to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
due early next year. This grant application must be approved prior to any Illinois public libraries
receiving a monetary award. The Opportunity On-Line Hardware Grant will provide funding to replace
aging computers and peripherals. She thanked the regional library systems for their assistance in
verifying contact information of their public library members.
Director Craig discussed the State Library’s Communication Survey currently underway and available
through our electronic newsletter. The response rate has been good to date.
Director Craig provided ISLAC members with an overview of the State Library budget. She
acknowledged all employees’ appreciation to Secretary White for his attempts to keep everyone
employed rather than to suffer layoffs. Budget reductions have occurred in the following areas: travel,
paper communications, phone lines, equipment purchases, and some electronic databases.
Mr. Natale briefed ISLAC members on changes to the ISL’s Administrative Rules being submitted to
the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules (JCAR). Due to the travel cuts, emergency rules will
be filed regarding the Literacy Program’s site visits to grant recipients.
Ms. Bloomberg reported on the System Standards Revision Committee identifying committee
members, providing an overview of the procedure, and discussion of the work completed to date.
ISLAC members responded with a lengthy discussion and a number of recommendations. Members
urged the Revision Committee to keep the communication flowing during the process.
Ms. Ruda discussed the Long Range Planning Process for the Illinois Talking Book and Braille
Service. With a significant budget shortfall for this program, strategic planning and changes are a
necessity to address the financial crisis for this service. Ms. Ruda explained that circulation has
remained status quo over the years and also discussed the impact on the service with the
implementation of digital machines.
Ms. Matheis provided ISLAC with information on “The Big Read,” a grant from the Institute for
Museum and Library Services to the ISL.
Ms. Norris provided ISLAC members with an overview of the FY09 Library Service and Technology
Grants (LSTA) received and awarded. She discussed additional interpretations from IMLS regarding
